The UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maritime security across the Red Sea, East Africa, Southern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean during the EU Regional Maritime Security Week in Nairobi, reported Saint Petersburg's PortNews.

The meeting, held earlier this month and hosted by Kenya with EU support, gathered 112 delegates from 16 countries and 12 organisations. It was organised with the Indian Ocean Commission, UNODC, INTERPOL and IMO.

The agenda included sessions of Steering Committees for three EU-funded initiatives - the Red Sea, Safe Seas Africa, and Port Security and Safety of Navigation programmes - and concluded with the Regional Maritime Security Architecture committee.

Delegates reviewed the Crisis Response Project for the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean. Results included seizures of 2.4 tonnes of drugs, arrests of 36 traffickers and criminals, and rescues of fishermen and sailors.

IMO presented regional actions under the Djibouti Code of Conduct and Jeddah Amendment, the Red Sea Project, the Safe Seas for Africa Programme, and the Port Security and Safety of Navigation Project aimed at enhancing ISPS Code implementation.

These initiatives aim to strengthen interoperability among centres and support states in building sustainable maritime governance. A key topic was the emerging Regional Maritime Security Plan to improve information-sharing and resilience of shipping routes.

The framework remains under consultation, but participants said progress in Nairobi laid groundwork for future implementation. Delegates reaffirmed cooperation and intent to harmonise approaches across Africa's coastal regions.

IMO is a specialised UN agency responsible for global shipping safety, environmental performance and maritime security. It develops regulatory frameworks and supports member States through technical cooperation.